Police Services

PATROL DIVISION

The Patrol Division for the University of Utah is the largest division within the police department. The Patrol Division is made up of 27 full time sworn police officers and 1 reserve police officer. The full time personnel include 1 Lieutenant, 3 Sergeants and 23 Patrol Officers. The Patrol Division is made up of 3 shifts (Days, Afternoons, and Graveyards) which provides 24 hours a day coverage 7 days a week for the entire University of Utah campus. Patrol officers respond to and investigate a variety of criminal complaints and also provide numerous customer service requests to assist students, staff, and visitors to our campus. As part of our responsibility patrol provides 1 officer 24 hours a day at the UMC Emergency Department to provide a police presence and assist as needed. The Patrol Division responds to over 3000 calls for service each year.

Lt. Brian Wahlin

Sgt. Heather Horstmeier

Sgt. Garth Smith

Sgt. Mark Veatupu

Sgt. Larimie Lancaster

POLICE K9 UNIT

The University of Utah Department of Public Safety started our K9 Unit in 2017. The K9 Unit consists of two bomb detection dogs and their handlers. Officer Whitaker partners with K9 Honey and Officer Feltenberger partners with K9 Zarah to work dedicated patrol shifts and all mass gathering events to help keep our campus community safe. They also participate in a larger multi-agency group that responds to call outs when necessary.

DETECTIVE DIVISION

The University of Utah Detective Division is composed of one lieutenant, one sergeant and four detectives. Members of the Detective Division are assigned investigations involving criminal acts that have occurred on or near the University of Utah campus. The detectives receive specialized training which assists them with interview and interrogations, crime scene processing, search warrant/subpoena writing, electronic device forensic analysis and intelligence gathering. All members of the Detective Division investigate crimes against property and crimes against persons to include, but not limited to burglary, theft, criminal mischief, fraud, trespass, threats, assault, aggravated assault and sexual assault. Detectives routinely collaborate with the Salt Lake City Police Department, the FBI and other state and local law enforcement agencies. Criminal cases investigated by the Detective Division are forwarded to the State of Utah District Attorney’s Office or the Salt Lake City Attorney’s Office for review and the formal filing of appropriate charges.

Deputy Chief Rick Mclenon

Sgt. Newbold

EVIDENCE / FLEET / ASSET MANAGEMENT

Evidence/Fleet - The police department evidence unit is managed by our Administrative Sergeant and 1 patrol Sergeant. All evidence/property collected by our department is stored and maintained within the public safety building. All evidence/property is managed in compliance with all state and federal requirements and meets requirements as set forth by the International Association of Property and Evidence Managers. The Administrative Sergeant is also responsible for the Fleet of vehicles assigned to our department which includes 38 police vehicles a mobile response trailer, and 4 Segway’s.

Bike Squad – The University of Utah bicycle squad consists of 11 officers, this is a collateral assignment in which the officers do in conjunction with their full time patrol duties. We have 2 IPMBA certified instructors who train and maintain certifications for the squad. Bicycle officers conduct routine patrol and assist with a variety of special events throughout the campus.

FTO – Within the patrol division there are 7 officers who have been selected to provide “Field Training” for all of our new officers. The FTO program is set up to train new recruits without any police experience to get them to perform at a level of proficiency required to manage all types of criminal complaints and citizen assists as required. Field Training Officers also provide training for experienced officers who transfer to our department from other agencies by ensuring they are proficient in responding to calls for service and familiarizing them with our department policies/procedures, the campus layout and environment.

SPECIAL EVENTS / TRAINING

The University of Utah Police Department is tasked with the planning and implementing the operational management of security for many special events on campus. The University of Utah Police Department works with many internal and external departments and organizations to provide additional security for a number of diverse events that take place at the University of Utah. The University of Utah Special Event Coordinator is tasked with formalizing operational plans which identify the necessary staff, job descriptions, logistical and safety concerns and anticipated criminal activities associated with particular events. It’s necessary that the plan provide adequate safety and security which will minimize potential risk for all parties involved in the event. Some of the larger events require coordination and support from local, state and federal agencies. Currently there is one lieutenant and one sergeant assigned to Special Events. On average the University of Utah Police Department oversees security and supplies additional officers for over 400 special events on campus yearly.

Sgt. Jack Fermanian

Community Outreach Program

In the summer of 2016, the Department of Public Safety established the Community Outreach Unit. The mission of the Community Outreach Unit is to open up lines of communication between the community and law enforcement. This open line of communication will build better partnerships between theUniversity of Utah Police Department and the members of the community we serve. Improved partnerships will show the community that we are here to listen to their needs and to make their community a safer place to study, work and reside. Positive police-community relations are critical for crime prevention, addressing safety issues and improving overall communications between the community and law enforcement. Improved police-community relations is accomplished as officers make personal contacts and connections with students, staff, faculty, community groups, and businesses in order to offer programs and services established by the Department of Public Safety.

Long-term Goals

Establish a network of community contacts

Create an environment in which community members are comfortable communicating with the police

Build trust and familiarity with the community

Create opportunities in which to engage the community

Listen and act upon the cares, needs and concerns of the community

Long-term Goals

Identify problem areas, people and specific situations within the community